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I have two small children, and a nice array of wood furniture. Occasionally some milk gets spilled and inevitably ends up on the furniture somewhere. Most the time it gets wiped up immediately, and completely, but other times, as you parents of small children know, you’re in a hurry, get most of it and try to get the rest when you have time. My question is this, What the hell takes the stuff off once it has dried. I’ve tried all kinds of mild detergents, wood cleaners, etc. I usually have to resort to scrapping the damn stuff off with a piece of plastic or wood. Any ideas out there??? I assume because it is an animal by product, it has some kind of protein base. What dissolves that and not the finish? Help!!!!!The kids are only 2 and 4. I have a lot of years, and milk to go.
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Replies
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You need a kid-proof finish!
I'd suggest a poly or alkyd varnish. Milk, eggs and sketti sauce will all wipe up easily because water will not damage these finishes. If your furniture has an oil and wax, a shellac or lacquer finish it's not going to bear up well to children.
Lee
*Thanks Lee, but the finish is already on these pieces. Most of them are antiques, which I want to shy away from refinishing. It's the darndest stuff to get off. Anyhting new I create does have a more durable finish, but I still find that once it dries, it doesn't seem to be soluable by anything, at least without elbow grease additive.
*Wax all your pieces with Liberon Professional wax. Short of refinishing as Lee has suggested it's the only thing that might repel milk (a good wax job that is).A high solvent wax (the one above is not) like Myland's will remove the milk. If it does not, try Mylands furniture cleaner. I'm sure it will. My wife and I restored some seats removed from her grandfather's school gymnasium with the Mylands cleaner and then the wax. It worked beautifully.
*Sounds good, I need to do the chairs that go with the table as well. Where can I find the stuff?
*Depending on the size of table you're talking about, a glass top might be a good option. Maybe polycarbonate. It'll certainly be milk proof, but might be a bit spendy.And don't let anything get *under* the glass top or you're screwed.
*Local antique and shops carry it where I live. Many mailorder outfits have it. Try Woodworker's Supply.
*Have you tried baby wipes? One of the great cleaning inventions of the 20th century.
*Mix 1 qt of very hot water with a couple of tablespoons of boiled linseed and mineral spirits. Keep it mixed as you wash your furniture. Wipe off with a dry cloth.
*Thank you. I will try both. I agree, the wipes are great, but this dried milk seems to defy most all common cleansers.
*Mark, I sympathize with your predicament. Its not just 2 & 4 year olds either that slop that milk, an 11 yr. old who is majoring in grossology, a dog and two cats make up my new household of happiness. Good luck :-]
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